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Daniel Andrews must provide answers to Latrobe Valley workers

Member for Morwell Russell Northe is calling on the Andrews Labor Government to come clean and answer a number of questions by community members in the Latrobe Valley.

By Portal Admin - 19th January 2017 - Back to News

Member for Morwell Russell Northe is calling on the Andrews Labor Government to come clean and answer a number of questions posed by the workers, contractors and community members in the Latrobe Valley.

Mr Northe said it was staggering that Daniel Andrews still has no solutions or answers to deal with the consequences of Hazelwood Power Station closing its doors in less than 10 weeks' time, and the subsequent loss of hundreds of local jobs.

"Daniel Andrews said he would support local workers and create new jobs for displaced workers; however it appears the only new jobs being created are for public servants and consultants," Mr Northe said.

"I’ve spoken with a myriad of workers, contractors and businesses over these past months, and many of these same people are extremely frustrated and angry about the lack of certainty for them and their families.

"For many the absence of practical support and assistance from the State Government is creating enormous stress at this extremely difficult time," he said.

"Our community wants and deserves real answers and real action across a whole range of areas, yet the Andrews Government appears to be completely ignoring the needs and pleas of local workers."

Mr Northe said the Andrews Government needed to answer a number of questions posed by workers, contractors and businesses including:

How many direct Hazelwood employees have been provided ongoing work at Hazelwood in decommissioning, demolition or rehabilitation works?

How many employees of Hazelwood contractors will have ongoing employment at Hazelwood in decommissioning, demolition or rehabilitation works?

How many external jobs have been found for Hazelwood employees and contractors?

Has the State Government conversed with any prospective buyers of Hazelwood Power Station?

Given the State Labor Government committed to close Hazelwood gradually, why hasn’t it delivered on its commitment of a phased closure?

Is the Government going to commit to a "pooled redundancy" package for workers?

Why has the Government made every effort to save jobs at Alcoa in Portland, but not for workers and contractors at Hazelwood?

How many new jobs for locals have been created by the Latrobe Valley Authority?

How much of the Governments promised $266 million has been spent on the Latrobe Valley Authority, including public servants and consultants?

What is the future for user groups of Hazelwood pondage including the Latrobe Valley Yacht Club, Sailability program, campers and recreational users?

What is the Government doing to replace base load power capacity in Victoria, and does it plan to build a new power station in the Latrobe Valley?

The State Government promised it would announce its coal policy in 2016, why has it failed to deliver on this commitment?

Why hasn't the State Government sought to end the ongoing industrial dispute between AGL and its workers?

Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath said the Labor Party not only had a policy to close Hazelwood Power Station but it said it would do so gradually, and unfortunately for the hundreds of workers about to lose their jobs they can't even get that part of their policy right.

"The Andrews Government also imposed hundreds of millions of dollars of extra taxes on Latrobe Valley generators in its 2016 budget, yet they blame others for the loss of jobs and escalating power prices," Ms Bath said.

"It's about time Daniel Andrews stopped talking and started acting to find real people real jobs in the Latrobe Valley."

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Source: www.gippsland.com

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